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Griots Fellowship
A transformative program for African storytellers, journalists, and cultural leaders shaping narratives and preserving African heritage.
A griot (/ˈɡriːoʊ/; French: [ɡʁi.o]; Manding: jali or jeli (in N'Ko: ߖߋ߬ߟߌ, djeli or djéli in French spelling); also spelt Djali; Serer: paar or kevel or kewel / okawul; Wolof: gewel) is a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, and/or musician. Griots are masters of communicating stories and history orally, which is an African tradition.
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Guinea, circa 1905. Two griots accompany their lord, playing their instruments to announce his presence. Photo: Wikipedia
About Griots Fellowship
The Griots Fellowship honors Africa's ancient tradition of storytelling while equipping modern-day narrators with the skills, platforms, and networks to shape authentic African narratives in a globalized world.
Named after the traditional West African storytellers who preserved history and culture through oral tradition, this fellowship supports journalists, writers, filmmakers, artists, and cultural practitioners who are crafting the stories that define Africa's present and future.
Through intensive training, creative projects, and collaborative learning, Fellows develop both their craft and their leadership capacity as cultural changemakers.
Our Approach
The fellowship is structured around three core tracks — Journalism & Media, Creative Arts, and Cultural Heritage — that equip fellows with the tools to tell Africa's stories authentically. Through in-person residencies, online workshops, and independent creative projects, fellows engage deeply with narrative strategy, media production, and cultural leadership.
LéO Talks
Watch our Griots Fellows share their stories, insights, and perspectives on African narratives, culture, and identity.
More Talks
YOUTUBEFellowship Tracks
Journalism & Media
For journalists, editors, and media professionals telling Africa's stories through traditional and digital media — covering investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, and data journalism.
Creative Arts
For filmmakers, writers, poets, and artists crafting narratives through creative expression — including film production, creative writing, visual storytelling, and digital content creation.
Cultural Heritage
For cultural practitioners preserving and promoting African heritage, traditions, and languages — spanning oral history documentation, indigenous knowledge systems, and language revitalization.
Fellowship Structure
An eight-month journey through intensive residencies, workshops, and independent creative projects designed to shape Africa's next generation of storytellers.
Narrative Strategy & Craft
Master the art of crafting compelling narratives that authentically represent African experiences and challenge stereotypes.
Media Production & Ethics
Develop technical skills across media formats while navigating ethical considerations in representation and storytelling.
Platform Building & Impact
Build sustainable media platforms, amplify your voice, and present capstone creative projects to audiences and partners.
Who Should Apply
We're looking for storytellers, journalists, and cultural practitioners who are committed to shaping authentic African narratives.
Age: Between 25-45 years old
Experience: At least 3 years as a journalist, writer, filmmaker, or cultural practitioner
Portfolio: Published work, films, or projects demonstrating storytelling abilities
Geography: African citizen or person of African descent
Commitment: Dedicated to shaping authentic African narratives
Project Proposal: Clear concept for a storytelling project
Our Impact
Griots Fellows are crafting the narratives that define Africa's present and future — from award-winning documentaries to investigative journalism, from cultural preservation projects to digital media innovation.
200+
Stories Published
25+
Awards Won
8
Months Fellowship
Explore Other Programs
Discover more fellowship opportunities at LéO Africa Institute
Join the Griots Fellowship
Join Africa's community of storytellers shaping narratives for the continent and the world.
Stay tuned for the next cohort application deadline